Laurinburg, N.C., Scotland County four-star prospect Travian Robertson, the nation's No. 8 strongside defensive end, committed to South Carolina yesterday at a school press conference. Following the announcement, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Robertson discussed in further detail why he picked the Gamecocks.

"I am really looking to play as a freshman, and my daddy said the two best chances for early playing time were at South Carolina and NC State," Robertson said. "When I looked at the depth chart at South Carolina and actually watched them practice back in the spring, I felt like I can fit in perfectly at South Carolina. They have what I'm looking for as far as playing time and academics. With Clemson, it seemed like they were stockpiling defensive ends instead of really needing me."

As of late last week, Robertson was all but committed to the Clemson Tigers, but he decided to take one last trip to USC before making his final decision.

"To tell you the truth, I really didn't want to take that last visit (to Columbia) because I was just ready to focus on Scotland High football, but (Scotland County head) coach (Mark) Barnes recommended I take one more visit there because he knew how much I liked South Carolina earlier this summer," Robertson said. "It all came down to a lot of thinking. A lot of schools can try to sell you stuff, but it comes down to the one you trust the most. For me, that was South Carolina."